The Catholic Church in Ituri province is stepping up its role in the response to Ebola, with Bishop Dieudonné Uringi of the Diocese of Bunia urging priests to actively combat rumors and misinformation surrounding the outbreak.
The call came during a training workshop focused on the role of religious leaders in risk communication and community engagement. The initiative forms part of efforts to prevent and control Ebola in Ituri and is supported by Catholic Relief Services (CRS).
Bishop Uringi highlighted the close relationship priests have with local communities, saying their daily contact with families and parishioners makes them important partners in public health awareness.
He urged parish priests, pastoral leaders and vicars to use their positions to turn churches and Christian communities into spaces for prevention, accurate information, dialogue and solidarity.
According to the bishop, misinformation during an Ebola outbreak can undermine public understanding of health guidance and make it harder for communities to follow recommended protective measures. He called for stronger cooperation between religious leaders, pastoral workers and health teams.
The training is also intended to prepare pastoral agents who can serve as trusted community links. These representatives will help families access reliable information, counter false claims and encourage acceptance of appropriate health measures.
Bishop Uringi said the Church's responsibility extends beyond Ebola prevention campaigns. He stressed the importance of supporting families affected by illness and bereavement, while promoting safe and dignified burial practices that respect cultural traditions and protect communities from further transmission.
The bishop encouraged participants to view the workshop as more than a training exercise. He said it should provide an opportunity to develop a practical pastoral strategy for strengthening the Church's contribution to the Ebola response.
Participants were asked to consider ways to improve parish involvement, strengthen cooperation between religious and health workers, support affected families and encourage protective behavior within Christian communities.
Through its extensive parish network, the Diocese of Bunia hopes to strengthen public trust, improve the flow of reliable health information and encourage greater community participation in efforts to contain Ebola in Ituri.
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